[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

ballast \bal"last\ ba^l"last, n. d. ballast; akin to dan.
   baglast, ballast, osw. barlast, sw. ballast. the first part
   is perh. the same word as e. bare, adj.; the second is last a
   burden, and hence the meaning a bare, or mere, load. see
   bare, a., and last load.
   1. naut. any heavy substance, as stone, iron, etc., put
      into the hold to sink a vessel in the water to such a
      depth as to prevent capsizing.
      1913 webster

   2. any heavy matter put into the car of a balloon to give it
      steadiness.
      1913 webster

   3. gravel, broken stone, etc., laid in the bed of a railroad
      to make it firm and solid.
      1913 webster

   4. the larger solids, as broken stone or gravel, used in
      making concrete.
      1913 webster

   5. fig.: that which gives, or helps to maintain, uprightness,
      steadiness, and security.
      1913 webster

            it piety is the right ballast of prosperity.
                                                  --barrow.
      1913 webster

   ballast engine, a steam engine used in excavating and for
      digging and raising stones and gravel for ballast.

   ship in ballast, a ship carrying only ballast.
      1913 webster
see also:
bare last ballast engine ship in ballast 

Ballast >> B Words
Ballast, definition of term: Ballast
ballast_pag1.html

Cruise Ship >> C Words
Cruise Ship, definition of term: Cruise Ship
cruise+ship_pag1.html

Clipper Ship >> C Words
Clipper Ship, definition of term: Clipper Ship
clipper+ship_pag1.html